Jumping The Broom

We are jumping the broom. Me and FH discussed the orgin of jumping the broom. We will celebrate our culture. Our broom is decorated with our wedding colors pink,silver and white.

I have no idea what jumping the broom is. Can you explain?

View Quoted Comment Shai, I couldn't agree more! I'm doing it for the significance as well. It's important to pay homage to our ancestors and incorporate those traditions into our traditions. My fiancee is what and I'm mixed so when I told him about it he had no idea that it was even a thing which is why it's so important. So much of our culture and traditions were stripped from us... We don't have many things to hold onto in terms of that unfortunately. So it's important my children know the importance of it!

We're still trying to decide if we want to jump the broom. The only negative comment I've received was from an uncle that asked why I would want to include something that had "ties to slavery" in my wedding. Well unfortunately that is our history and we've taken it back and made it beautiful. I ignored the comment.

Where is everyone getting theirs? I know someone mentioned amazon. If I do it, I don't want it to look gaudy with ribbons and multi colors but I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg.

View Quoted Comment I used an African American bridal website and my broom was customized for me. It was costly but the site offers payment plans.You can go to a craft store that sells brooms. And you can make it as simple as you want or elaborate as you want. You can do the handle in one color of your wedding and a bow in your accent color.

View Quoted Comment Yes I think you should do whatever makes you happy I'm jumping the broom as well I cannot wait for that part of a ceremony

I'm black; he's white...WE are jumping the broom. When I asked him about it he was like of course we are jumping the broom.
As we say in New Orleans...do what ya wanna!

We're jumping the broom! It was something I wasn't willing to budge on.

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I saw something on etsy that would be perfect but of course it was like $150. Can you share the website where you purchased your broom?

View Quoted Comment Www.african.wedding-weddings.com

View Quoted Comment Amazon has one that is very neutral so you can add your own ribbons and flowers etc https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003TFDQZ4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517326559&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=wedding+broom&dpPl=1&dpID=31NxToUvzTL&ref=plSrch

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Thank you!!

View Quoted Comment My thoughts exactly.

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I think their are some etsy shops that make cute brooms

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Agree..do whatcha wanna!!!

I think that if there is anything within your culture or history that you want to incorporate, then do it. As a PP said, would you regret it if you didn't? I also think incorporating these kinds of cultural traditions is not only great for the bride and groom and their families, but also is an awesome thing for guests to experience. I'm white, and have never been to a wedding where the couple jumped the broom. I think it would be a great way to educate guests about an awesome tradition.

I'm getting married in New Orleans and am planning on doing the second line and the cake pull, in addition to serving some very yummy New Orleans food. 85% of my guests have never been to New Orleans and have certainly never experienced those traditions. I'm so excited for them to be there and learn about it!

If it's what you want then go for it! It's your wedding, you decide what to do.

I think Jumping the Broom is a fantastic practice to add into your wedding. I have been and watched on video a few weddings which included this. They were all so special! I will be honest, I would be so scared of tripping or falling if I were you 😝

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Haha is it bad that I'm probably most excited for the parade than I am for any other part of the wedding? All of Fh's family (who have never been, and FH never lived there either, NOLA is purely my side) are like "wait why are we parading?" and FH just replies "uh I don't know because she wants it." I've already told a lot of my friends to make sure 100% sure they wear comfortable shoes because they will be expected to march around for about 20-30 mins! Lol even my mom is like "don't invite anyone who's gonna be a stick in the mud!" I'm really working hard to make sure everyone has an awesome, super memorable time, and I think incorporating these traditions is part of that!

Going back to OP's post, again, as someone who have never seen anyone jump the broom, I would be honored to be able to witness it at a friend's wedding.

Just read updated comments and think it’s a terrific idea...it’s way less over the top than some other things done in weddings that have awful symbolism and history attached to them like a garter toss!

I think there is a very fine line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation in certain situations.

After reading about this tradition, I think it's a lovely idea. Unless I am missing something here, it seems to be a rather lighthearted practice that your guests will enjoy and you'll have fun doing. I agree with @plangalCG that it is actually more appropriate than a lot of other more common wedding traditions.

Now if a white couple were doing it just for the fun of it, it would be a little strange, but not necessarily harmful.